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Ciara Kenny

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SkillSelect: Changes to skilled migration visas for Australia

Significant changes will be made to the visa system for skilled migrants in Australia, beginning on July 1.

Ciara Kenny

Ciara Kenny

Tue, May 15, 2012, 14:16

Significant changes will be made to the visa system for skilled migrants in Australia, beginning on July 1. SkillSelect, a new online service, will be launched to connect Australian employers with potential skilled migrants, and to facilitate applications for permanent residence by those already working in Australia on temporary skilled 457 visas, according to the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

SkillSelect will ensure the skilled migration programme is based on the economic needs of Australia, and will allow the Australian Government to manage who is able to apply for skilled migration, and when and how many can apply, based on demand. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship hope that this will reduce the time taken to process a visa application, and address regional skill shortages.

Skilled workers interested in migrating to Australia will be able to record their details on an Expression of Interest (EOI), including their skills and experiences, and the territories of Australia where they are willing to live and work. Registered employers will be able to search the SkillSelect database, and invite potential employees to apply for a visa. State and territory governments could also invite workers to apply for a visa based on their EOI.

Read more about SkillSelect on the Australian Government’s Migration Blog.